Post-Award Research Administrator I

The University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a Post-Award Research Administrator I to support financial and administrative management of externally funded sponsored projects. The role covers the award lifecycle from setup through closeout, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200.

Ideal candidate assists with budget management, invoicing, reporting, and audit support, collaborating with faculty and central staff to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in financial analysis, accounting, compliance, or administrative support.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards through the lifecycle from setup to closeout.
• Interpret financial policies and award terms for faculty and staff, escalating complex issues.
• Review, reconcile, and monitor expenditures for sponsor and institutional compliance.
• Analyze award financial activity, identify variances, and advise on stewardship.
• Prepare and review sponsor invoices, billing submissions, and financial reports.
• Assist with budget management, rebudgeting, cost transfers, and prior approvals.
• Establish and maintain award financial records in institutional systems.
• Monitor subrecipient activity and ensure compliance with subaward terms.
• Support financial closeout, ensuring timely reporting and deliverables.
• Contribute to process improvements, internal controls, and audit readiness.
• Participate in training and professional development on regulations and best practices.

Skills

Sponsor regulations interpretation

Financial monitoring

Expenditure review

Analytical skills

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business/public administration or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Workday

Ellucian

Microsoft Office

Job description

Post-Award Research Administrator I

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Post-Award Research Administrator I.

Position Details

LocationHattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States DivisionOffice of Research AdministrationPosition TypeStaffEmployment StatusFull TimeGrant FundedNoPay Grade

E10

Posting Close DateOctober 16, 2026

Job Summary

The Post-AwardResearch Administrator I supports the financial and administrative managementof externally funded sponsored projects within the central Office of ResearchSupport and Development at an R1 university with approximately $100M in annualexternal funding. The position supports faculty and departmental researchadministrators with the lifecycle management of awards, from account setupthrough closeout, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutionalpolicies, and federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Thisposition works collaboratively with faculty, departmental staff, and centralstaff to perform transactional and analytical functions which include but isnot limited to expenditure review, financial monitoring, invoicing, reporting,budget management, and audit support.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards, supporting financial oversight and administration throughout the award lifecycle from setup through closeout.
2. Serve as a resource to faculty and departmental staff by interpreting financial policies, award terms, and compliance requirements, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
3. Review, reconcile, and monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and 2 CFR 200, ensuring costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
4. Analyze award financial activity, identify variances or potential issues, and provide recommendations to support effective stewardship of sponsored funds.
5. Prepare and/or review sponsor invoices, billing submissions, and financial reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with award terms and conditions.
6. Assist with budget management, including rebudgeting actions, cost transfers, and sponsor prior approval requests in accordance with applicable regulations.
7. Establish and maintain award financial records in institutional systems, ensuring proper setup of billing, reporting, and cost share requirements.
8. Monitor subrecipient financial activity, including review of invoices and documentation to ensure compliance with subaward agreements and Uniform Guidance requirements.
9. Support financial closeout of awards, ensuring all reporting, reconciliations, and final deliverables are completed in accordance with sponsor and institutional deadlines.
10. Contribute to process improvement, internal controls, and audit readiness efforts, supporting effective and compliant research administration operations.
11. Participate in training and professional development related to research administration, including sponsor updates, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices.
12. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Office of Research Support and Development and the University’s research mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business,public administration, or a related field. One (1) year of experience in financial analysis, accounting,compliance, or administrative support.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor regulations, including Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, to ensure compliance with the financial management of sponsored awards
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to review financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in financial reporting, invoicing, and expenditure review
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of sponsored projects
• Proficiency with financial and administrative systems, including PeopleSoft, Workday, Ellucian, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn new research administration tools and technologies

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance,business, public administration, or a related field. One (1) year of experiencein an academic, nonprofit, or government setting. One (1) year of experienceinterpreting and applying complex regulations. One (1) year of experience insponsored programs, grants management, or higher education administration.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programssuchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.